HR Specialist

Job Title: HR Specialist
Location: Wilton, CT (Onsite)

Our client, a mission-driven nonprofit organization, is seeking an HR Specialist to join its Human Resources team. This is a hands‑on role supporting a broad range of HR functions, including recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, performance management, compliance, and HR systems.

This opportunity is ideal for an HR professional who values collaboration, strong customer service, and being actively involved in day‑to‑day HR operations within a purpose‑driven environment.

• Serve as a trusted resource to employees and managers on HR policies, procedures, and employment practices
• Support employee relations matters with professionalism, discretion, and empathy
• Ensure consistent application of policies and compliance with employment laws

• Support full‑cycle recruiting, including job postings, screening, interviews, reference checks, and onboarding coordination
• Coordinate onboarding and orientation programs to ensure compliance and successful employee integration

• Assist with benefits administration, including enrollments, life events, vendor coordination, and open enrollment
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records within the HRIS
• Prepare HR reports and metrics to support leadership decision‑making

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and internal policies
• Support audits, regulatory requirements, and risk mitigation efforts
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of HR programs, processes, and systems

• Reports to the HR Director
• Works closely with senior HR leadership
• Collaborative team culture where everyone contributes

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• 3–5 years of progressive HR experience (Specialist, Generalist, or Coordinator level)
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices
• Recruiting and end‑to‑end HR process experience required
• Strong communication skills and customer‑service mindset
• Comfortable working onsite and being hands‑on
• Experience with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office

HR certifications (PHR, SPHR, SHRM‑CP/SHRM‑SCP) and/or a Master’s degree are strongly preferred.

• Salary range: $70,000 – $90,000
• Potential flexibility for candidates with advanced credentials and experience

Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact